Vijaya Juturu

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling inflammatory disorder. Ginger is used for food and medicine to treat arthralgia, sprains, and muscle aches. Anti-inflammatory effects of ginger have been observed. The aim of our study was to detect the effects of ginger on experimentally induced inflammatory arthritis. Methods: Female Wistar albino rats (n = 21) were randomly separated into three groups (control, arthritis, and arthritis + ginger). Arthritis was generated by an appropriate method using type 2 collagen and Freund’s adjuvant (collagen-induced arthritis model). The ginger group was treated starting at the first collagen injection with ginger root extract for 32 days by oral gavage (50 mg/kg/daily). Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), sclerostin, dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1), and obestatin serum levels were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Tissue TNF-α, IL-17, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels were detected using the Western blot method. Results: Mean arthritis score and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 were significantly decreased in ginger group than in the arthritis group. Increased sclerostin serum level and decreased DKK-1 serum levels were detected in ginger group compared with arthritis group. The decreases of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and NF-κB tissue levels were statistically significant in the ginger group compared with arthritis group. Histopathological evaluation of the ginger group showed a decrease in the inflammation score compared to arthritis group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that ginger has protective properties in the development of inflammatory arthritis. The antiarthritic acts of ginger are related to NF-κB activity and Wnt pathway. Thus, it may be suggested that ginger is a candidate to research in human RA treatment. Cite this article as: Öz B, Orhan C, Tuzcu M, et al. Ginger extract suppresses the activations of NF-κB and Wnt pathways and protects inflammatory arthritis. Eur J Rheumatol. 2021;8(4):196-201.

This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of lutein/zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi) on lipid metabolism on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, NF-?B/Nrf2 pathways, and synaptic plasticity proteins in trained rats. Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: 1) Control; 2) L/Zi: Rats received L/Zi at the dose of 100 mg/kg by oral gavage; 3) Exercise: 4) Exercise+L/Zi: Rats exercised and received L/Zi (100 mg/kg) by oral gavage. The duration of the study was eight weeks. Exercise combined with L/Zi reduced lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant enzyme activities of muscle and cerebral cortex in rats (P < 0.001). In the Exercise + L/ Zi group, muscle and cerebral cortex Nrf2 and HO-1 levels increased, while NF-?B levels decreased (P <0.001). Also, L/Zi improved BDNF, synapsin I, SYP, and GAP-43 levels of the cerebral cortex of trained rats (P < 0.001). The highest levels of BDNF, synapsin SYP, and GAP-43 in the cerebral cortex were determined in the Exercise+L/Zi group. These results suggested that exercise combined with L/Zi supplementation might be effective to reduce neurodegeneration via improving neurotrophic factors and synaptic proteins, and oxidative capacity in the cerebral cortex.

Mango ginger (MG: curcuma amada) has antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. The aim was to evaluate the antiarthritic potential efficacy of MG on collagen - induced arthritis. Twenty-one female Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injections of type II collagen and Freund?s adjuvant. MG extract was orally administered starting at the first collagen injection. TNF - alpha, IL - 6, IL - 17, obestatin, sclerostin and DKK-1 serum levels were determined, and perisynovial inflammation and cartilage-bone destruction in the paws were histologically evaluated. Moreover, joint tissue TNF-alpha, IL - 17, NF - kappaB, and COX - 2 levels were analyzed. TNF - alpha, IL - 17, IL - 6, and DKK - 1 serum levels were increased, and obestatin and sclerostin serum levels were decreased in the arthritis group compared to the control group. However, MG supplements decreased TNF - alpha, IL - 17, IL - 6, and DKK - 1 serum levels and increased obestatin, and sclerostin serum levels. Similarly, while collagen injection increased tissue TNF - alpha, IL - 17, NF - kappaB, and COX - 2 levels, MG decreased TNF - alpha, IL - 17, and NF - kappaB levels. Moreover, MG ameliorated perisynovial inflammation and cartilage-bone destruction in the paws. MG ameliorates arthritis via actions on inflammatory ways and wingless (Wnt) signaling pathway. These results suggest that MG may have a considerable potential efficacy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

This study aimed to investigate the properties of Salacia chinensis (Celastraceae, SC) and its molecular mechanism in the type 2 diabetic rats. Forty‐two Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 7): control, SC (100 mg/kg, per os), high‐fat diet (HFD), HFD + SC (100 mg/kg), HFD + streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg, i.p.), and HFD + STZ+SC. SC decreased serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acid, and malondialdehyde levels, but increased serum total antioxidant capacity (0.33 ± 0.02 versus. 0.79 ± 0.03), compared with the untreated group (p < .001). Additionally, SC elevated the expression of glucose‐regulated proteins GLUT2, PPAR‐ɣ, p‐IRS, and Nrf2, but downregulated NF‐κB in the liver and kidney (p < .001). In conclusion, SC could improve insulin resistance by modulation of glucose‐regulated proteins and transcription factors in diabetic rats. Practical applications Present data has contributed to the current ethnomedicinal benefits of SC, through which the SC intake regulated the carbohydrate metabolism and increased the antioxidant capacity. The balance of transcription factors can mediate these efficacies partially and various key proteins involved in energy metabolism, along with oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young adults and children in the industrialized countries; however, there are presently no FDA approved therapies. TBI results in oxidative stress due to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and overwhelming of the endogenous antioxidant mechanisms. Recently, it has been reported that antioxidants including phytochemicals have a protective role against oxidative damage and inflammation after TBI. To analyze the effects of a naturally occurring antioxidant molecule, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in TBI, a cryogenic injury model was induced in mice. Here, we showed that AITC administered immediately after the injury significantly decreased infarct volume and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL1β) and interleukin-6 (IL6), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and NF-κB were decreased, while Nrf2, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) and neural cell adhesion molecule levels were increased with AITC when compared with vehicle control. Our results demonstrated that the antioxidant molecule AITC, when applied immediately after TBI, provided beneficial effects on inflammatory processes while improving infarct volume and BBB permeability. Increased levels of plasticity markers, as well as an antioxidant gene regulator, Nrf2, by AITC, suggest that future studies are warranted to assess the protective activities of dietary or medicinal AITC in clinical studies.

Capsaicinoids (CAPs) found in chili peppers and pepper extracts, are responsible for enhanced metabolism. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of CAPs on body fat and fat mass while considering interactions with body habitus, diet and metabolic propensity. Seventy-five (N = 75) volunteer (male and female, age: 18 and 56 years) healthy subjects were recruited. This is a parallel group, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled exploratory study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, 2 mg CAPs or 4 mg CAPs dosing for 12 weeks. After initial screening, subjects were evaluated with respect to fat mass and percent body fat at baseline and immediately following a 12-week treatment period. The current study evaluates two measures of fat loss while considering six baseline variables related to fat loss. Baseline measurements of importance in this paper are those used to evaluate body habitus, diet, and metabolic propensity. Lean mass and fat mass (body habitus); protein intake, fat intake and carbohydrate intake; and total serum cholesterol level (metabolic propensity) were assessed. Body fat and fat mass were respectively re-expressed as percent change in body fat and change in fat mass by application of formula outcome = (12-week value – baseline value) / baseline value) × 100. Thus, percent change in body fat and change in fat mass served as dependent variables in the evaluation of CAPs. Inferential statistical tests were derived from the model to compare low dose CAPs to placebo and high dose CAPs to placebo. Percent change in body fat after 12 weeks of treatment was 5.91 percentage units lower in CAPs 4 mg subjects than placebo subjects after adjustment for covariates (p = 0.0402). Percent change in fat mass after 12 weeks of treatment was 6.68 percentage units lower in Caps 4 mg subjects than placebo subjects after adjustment for covariates (p = 0.0487). These results suggest potential benefits of Capsaicinoids (CAPs) on body fat and fat mass in post hoc analysis. Further studies are required to explore pharmacological, physiological, and metabolic benefits of both chronic and acute Capsaicinoids consumption. ISRCTN10458693 ‘retrospectively registered’.

Mucuna pruriens, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus terrestris are known as the enhancers for sexual health, functional activities, vitality, and longevity. These herbs had been widely used in the Ayurveda medicine as aphrodisiacs through the ages, and their efficacy was also verified separately in our previous publication. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of Mucuna, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus complexes on sexual function in rats. Twenty‐eight male rats allocated to four groups as follows: (i) negative control (C); (ii) positive control or sildenafil citrate treated group (5 mg/kg) (S); (iii) MAT1 (combination of 10 mg Mucuna (M) + 10 mg Ashwagandha (A) + 10 mg Tribulus (T)/kg BW); (iv) MAT 2 (20 mg Mucuna + 20 mg Ashwagandha + 20 mg Tribulus/kg BW). There was no significant difference found between the MAT1 and MAT2 groups while they showed significantly increased testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels when compared to the negative control. Significant increases in Nrf2/HO1 levels and decreases in NF‐κB were detected in MAT groups similar to the decrease in serum and testis malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to both controls. The sperm motility, count, and rate also significantly improved in both MAT groups, while ALT, AST, creatinine, ALP, and urea levels did not change in any of the groups. Oral consumption of MATs combination in male rats resulted in inhibition of NF‐κB and MDA and also increased sex hormones with Nrf2‐mediated HO‐1 induction. MAT combinations may improve sexual functions by increasing levels of sexual hormones and regulation of NF‐κB and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways.

Objective: Capsaicinoids (CAPs), most commonly found in chili peppers, have a multitude of pharmacological and physiological effects, such as anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. In the present study, we set out to investigate the hypothesis that CAPs mitigate obesity in rats and the possible mechanisms thereof. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into six groups, including control (±10 mg CAPs/kg body weight [BW]), low-fat–high-sucrose diet (±10 mg CAPs/kg BW), and high-fat diet (±10 mg CAPs/kg BW). Blood samples and liver and aortic tissues were taken at the end of the study. Results: CAPs supplementation significantly reduced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia (PPphox, and p22^phox, essential components of NADPH oxidase, in the aorta of rats. However, levels of Nrf2, Sirt1, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were significantly increased in the aorta. Conclusion: CAPs may at least partially reduce adverse effects due to high-fat diet and sucrose consumption through regulation of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and proteins involved in vasoprotection.